We maintained our perfect start to the season with a dramatic late 1-0 victory over Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium.
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, fresh off being named August’s PL2 Player of the Month, scored the decisive goal in the sixth minute of added time, securing all three points and extending our perfect record to four wins from four in the Premier League 2.
The home side started stronger, coming close twice early on. Jake Griffin headed wide from a set piece, and shortly after, Kieron Willox’s shot from a tight angle flew just over the bar.
Our best chance of the first half came when Michal Rosiak struck a free kick, but former Arsenal Academy goalkeeper Noah Cooper made a solid save to keep us out. Stoke had a golden opportunity when a set-piece routine found Dean Adekoya, but he failed to connect.
We improved after the break, with Osman Kamara creating space with some impressive footwork, but his shot flashed just wide. As we pushed for the opener, Butler-Oyedeji forced the keeper into a save with a powerful shot from distance, followed by a Maldini Kacurri header that narrowly missed the target.
However, our persistence finally paid off in the sixth minute of stoppage time, when Butler-Oyedeji found the top corner, sending our players into jubilation and sealing a dramatic late victory.
What It Means
We now sit at the top of the Premier League 2 table with 12 points from four games.
What’s Next
We return to action on Friday, September 27, hosting Liverpool in Premier League 2. Kickoff at Mangata Pay UK Stadium is set for 7pm.
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal XI: Ranson, Robinson (Clarke, 70) Monlouis, Heaven (Kacurri, 46), Quesada-Thorn, Rosiak, Gower, Oulad M'Hand (Ferdinand, 70), Kamara (Dudziak, 82) Salah, Butler-Oyedeji
Subs not used: Okonkwo
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